To the editor:
After 35 years as a Brandon teacher, most of them at Brandon High School, I worked under many superintendents and principals, some better than others.
When I left Brandon in 2006, I left a Blue Ribbon High School, colleagues who worked together for the betterment of the students and the district, and, a principal I respected. I was very surprised, therefore, to hear that Dr. Michael Ferguson has been removed as principal of Brandon High School. Dr. Ferguson was the type of principal who challenged his staff to become more, who allowed staff the freedom to be innovative, who hired very competent new people, and who supported his staff. Knowing his personality, I can’t fathom any reason he would be removed from his position, especially in such a clandestine manner. I don’t think Mr. Miller realizes what a mistake he has made, especially removing a principal in the middle of the year. The high school population at Brandon had consistently grown under Dr. Ferguson, some even called Brandon a hidden gem among Oakland County school districts. Dr. Ferguson was one of the people responsible for that comment, through his leadership. Brandon High School was on the forefront of new technology, class offerings (especially AP classes), time for development, and teacher/student/front office rapport. All that was swept away Thursday, Jan. 17, with the reassignment of Dr. Ferguson. I believe that the Board of Education and the Brandon School Community need to call Mr. Miller on his poor decision and make him accountable for his actions. With this and similar decisions, I do not believe Mr. Miller is good for the future of the Brandon School District.
Yvonne Verschueren